The old buildings, the pristine-royal cultures of the cities still remember about their golden times while we walk past with our modern lives. Each city has its own story. In this series, we would like to cover the same.

We also want to invite your opinions, views & articles on the same. For more, write us on “admin@pristineroutes.com / pristine.routes@gmail.com” for your city stories.

|| Old Wines of New Bottles: (Series Part – 1: Kolkata) ||

The history of this city goes back a long time, where different folk-lores have been built.

Since you will find the story of the 3 villages (Kalikat, Gobindapur & Sutanati) and how Job Charnock has always been accredited to the founding of Calcutta (the old name of Kolkata), let me try to narrate you the story of our modern Kolkata which holds the reminiscent of the past and those histories which have been here through ages to look upon the passing times.

1 Esplanade – This is a place or market which holds many old buildings, old times and stories that few remembers. New Market or Hogg’s Market was the only the shopping destination when the concept of shopping malls didn’t happen. Take a stroll and spend some time over the street foods for its best.

|| New Market in1945. Image Source: Internet ||

|| New Market / Hogg’s Market. Photography by Aparajita Paul ||

|| Esplanade at Kolkata. Photography by Aparajita Paul ||

P.S.: Take care of your safety as it is very crowded always.

2 St. Paul’s Cathedral – Known for its Gothic architecture, standing on the Church Road since 1847. It was the 1st cathedral built in the overseas territory of the British Empire. Due to earthquakes, the design had been changed to suit the climate later.

P.S.: Feel the peace within the church compound if you can visit on an ordinary weekday. Since no photography is allowed inside the church, please follow the etiquette.

3 Indian Museum – Founded in 1814, it houses mainly 6 sections (archaeology, art, anthropology, geological, zoology & botany). The building is not only huge, but literally a house of knowledge.

|| Deer at Indian Museum. Photography by Aparajita Paul |||| Real Egyptian Mummy at Indian Museum. Photography by Aparajita Paul |||| Old times, Indian Museum. Photography by Aparajita Paul |||| Whale skeleton at Indian Museum. Photography by Aparajita Paul |||| Indian Museum gallery. Photography by Aparajita Paul |||| Indian Museum. Photography by Aparajita Paul |||| At Indian Museum. Photography by Aparajita Paul |||| At Indian Museum. Photography by Aparajita Paul ||

P.S.: Take your time to visit most of it and learn. Egyptian antiquities are well-collected, including mummy – a star attraction to the visitors.

4 Victoria Memorial – Opened to the public in 1921, this museum is in the Indo-Saracenic style (mix of British & Mughal elements with influences of Venetian, Egyptian, Deceanik Islamic styles. Constructed with white Makrana marble, it houses a museum holding a lot of stories for you.

|| Pari on top of the Memorial. Photography by Aparajita Paul |||| Horse Carriage in front of Victoria Memorial. Photography by Aparajita Paul |||| Reflections from the Past. Photography by Aparajita Paul |||| Sunset time at Victoria Memorial. Photography by Aparajita Paul ||

P.S.: Enjoy the sunset time, leaving an eternal view in front of you. Horse-Carriage available outside the gate can take you to that royal feel once.

5 Howrah Bridge – Suspended over the Hooghly river in West Bengal since 1943, it connects the two cities Howrah & Kolkata. It approximately carries a daily traffic of 100,000 vehicles, being one of the busiest cantilever bridges in the world.

P.S.: Take a walk along this bridge through the pedestrian way and get soaked in the breeze of the River Hooghly.

6 Howrah Junction Railway Station – Largest Railway complex with the maximum number of platforms in the Indian railway system (23 platforms), it started its journey on 1st December 1901. designed by British architect Halsey Ricardo, it is a confluence of not only railway zones but many livelihoods.